The Most Fashionable of Halloween Costumes: Part 2

Sandy, from Grease: Tell them about it, stud! Put on your skinniest black wax jeans or leather pants, and tightest top, then curl your hair and sing, “You’re the one that I want, ooh, ooh, ooh, honey,” all night long.

Holly Golightly, from Breakfast at Tiffany’s: Chic will be the only way to describe you when wearing this costume. Wrap your hair into a high bun, Grab your little black dress and top it off with a tiara and dark glasses. Easy as pie.

Maggie Pollitt, from Cat on a Hot Tin Roof: Another way to wear your white, flowy dress is as Elizabeth Taylor’s character in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Be sure to take everyone’s drinks away from them all night.

Iris, from Taxi Driver: With a fun crop top, red high-waist shorts, platform shoes and a wide-brimmed hat, this is bound to be one fun and fashionable Halloween costume!

Maverick, from Top Gun: Not your typical Tom Cruise costume—the button-down white shirt and socks is so overdone—this costume will make you feel the need for speed. Pull out your army-inspired pieces, pair them with aviators and grab a Goose lookalike to join you for your Halloween festivities.

Jessica Rabbit, from Who Framed Roger Rabbit: The ultimate “sexy” Halloween costume, Jessica Rabbit wears a red, long, body-conscious dress with purple gloves and high heels. Give your hair a deep side part and don’t forget the red lipstick.

The Most Fashionable of Halloween Costumes: Part 1

Halloween can (and should) be every fashion girl’s dream; putting together a costume, dressing up and wearing outlandish makeup is something worth thinking about for weeks before the holiday. Our fashion-girl dream: To attend a Halloween costume party as Karl Lagerfeld and Choupette – and to have everyone know exactly who we are, gushing at our clever idea. However, as hard as it may be to believe) the majority of folks have no idea who The Kaiser is. Fortunately, there are plenty of other fashionable Halloween costumes that won’t require constant explanation. We’ve come up with a list of very fashionable and recognizable Halloween costumes. Remember, the best part about a fashionable costume is that the pieces can be used in your everyday wardrobe. Yes!

Have a hauntingly chic Halloween!

Cruella De Vil, from 101 Dalmatians: Everyone detests a villain, but they are always best dressed. A white fur jacket and chic black dress with red accessories is exactly something we could wear to a Halloween party ­– and for date night.

Cher, from Clueless: Luckily, the ‘90s is back, so finding plaid apparel for this costume should be a breeze! Use “as if” and “whatever” while you converse and people will know who you are instantly.

Faye Dunaway’s Bonnie, from Bonnie and Clyde: Once you’ve secured her signature beret, you could probably find the rest of this outfit in your closet. A timeless outfit that you could wear shopping this weekend.

Don Draper, from Mad Men: Boys, this is for you. Grab your suit, a candy cigarette and a whiskey glass, add a little gel to your hair and part it to the side, and with the right arch of the eyebrow, you’ll be emulating the dapper Don Draper.

Marilyn Monroe: White dresses are always in fashion and getting one with a flowy bottom is great for both this costume and hot summer days. Wear a white-blonde short wig (if you’re a brunette) or curl your tresses, and don’t forget to bring your fan!

Mia Wallace, from Pulp Fiction: Bring out your inner bad girl and go as Mia Wallace. Wear all black and a short wig with bangs, and whenever you need to leave a conversation say, “I have to go powder my nose.”

Do It: This Weekend’s Fashion, Beauty and Style Events that Are Not To Be Missed

This weekend is chock-full of fun and fashionable things to do, so if you’re itching to hit the town, these events will keep you busy!

Business to Success Conference | Thursday, October 30

The Business to Success Conference is perfect for business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals who want to motivate, educate and grow their bottom line. This conference will give insight in the areas of marketing, development and social media and will help you figure out your community demographics, your target markets and how to market with a focus on generational differences. The day starts at 8 a.m. and admission is $55.

For more information, call 248.853.7862 or visit www.auburnhillschamber.com. The conference is located at Oakland Schools at 2111 Pontiac Lake Rd., in Waterford.

Beer, Fire & Brimstone Halloween Party | Thursday, October 30

The Bird & The Bread host its first Halloween event, Beer, Fire & Brimstone Halloween Party. Enjoy the flavors of fall with a beer tasting event of 30 to 40 fall beers, including pumpkin beers, Oktoberfest varieties and autumn and winter ales paired with fiery dishes. Have a good time partaking in Halloween-inspired games that will include Cornhole, Beer Trivia, a Test-Your-Nose Blind Beer aroma station, Bobbing for Beers challenge, a Tarot Card Reader and more. DJ Just B will provide music for the night and costumes are encouraged. Admission is $35 per person, $5 for those in costume and the party takes place at The Bird & The Bread’s ELM Room. 

The Bird & The Bread is located at 210 S. Old Woodward in Birmingham. To RSVP call 248.203.6600 or email events@thebirdandthebread.com.

Monster’s Ball | Thursday, October 30

Gather for the condemned man’s last celebration with over 1,000 lost souls at the inaugural Monster’s Ball at The Fillmore Detroit. Featuring metro Detroit’s hottest DJs and entertainment, guests will be treated to a night of chills and thrills and a midnight pizza buffet. VIP ticket holders will be treated to five cocktails/beverages, early entry and a cash bar while general admission will gain entry to Detroit’s most exclusive party and a cash bar. The event starts at 9 p.m. and is sponsored by The Social Connection. Free shuttles for WSU students are available with student ID card. General admission is $30 and VIP is $65; ages 18 and up are welcome.

For more information visit www.monstersballdetroit.com or call 248.543.1000. The Fillmore Detroit is located at 2115 Woodward Ave., in Detroit.

Pop Up Shops at West Elm | Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November 2

West Elm is hosting pop up shops for Ink Detroit and The Great Lakes State. Each company will be selling Detroit and Michigan inspired apparel and accessories, so if you haven’t taken a trip to see West Elm yet, this weekend is the time to do it!

For more information call 249.593.8200; West Elm is located at 215 W Maple Rd., in Birmingham.

The Michigan Depression Glass Society Show and Sale | Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November 2

Bring back memories and let others experience a Detroit tradition they have only hear about with a nostalgic 1940s walk down Woodward Avenue. The MDGS will host their 41st show and sale where they recreate window displays of popular Detroit shops including JL Hudson’s department store, Sander’s confections, Vernor’s soda fountain and Woolworth’s five-and-dime and more. Each vignette will feature glassware of this earlier time. Admission is a $5 donation good for both days and parking is free. 

Ford Community & Performing Arts Center is located at 15801 Michigan Ave., in Dearborn.

Meet Char! | Monday, November 3

Haberman Fabrics is hosting a meet and greet with Char Glover, Detroit-native and Project Runway designer. Char will be discussing her designs and goals, and answering questions from 7 to 9 p.m. while guests enjoy light refreshments and network with other like-minded fashionistas. Admission is $10 and 100% of the proceeds paid at the door will go to support Detroit nonprofit, Alternatives for Girls.

RSVP is required, so call 248.541.0010 to reserve your spot. Haberman Fabrics is located at 905 S. Main St., in Royal Oak.

I Woke Up Like This: Bedtime Beauty Bundle

After recent events, those events being Renee Zellweger’s face, DG3’s offices were abuzz with conversations about plastic surgery, beauty routines and skin care. We all know that removing the day’s makeup before bed is very important, but after a few drinks it’s hard to come home and wash your face before you retire for the evening (read: pass out on the bed with drool running down your face).

The one thing that stuck out the most during our beauty talk was Karen’s Bedtime Beauty Bundle. Karen always says, “If I can do something sitting down, chances are good that I’ll actually do it.” If she’s a little too tired to stand in the bathroom and go through the whole face-wash-tone-and-moisturize routine, she puts on her comfies, gets cozy under the covers and takes it all off. If you’re looking to create a Bedtime Beauty Bundle, here are a few suggestions to consider for your basket.

Please note: If you have a more simple routine, with products that don’t normally change, a very small basket would do the job. Karen’s basket includes a good body-butter, masks, and other occasional products, even a nail file, so she’s got everything she needs, when she needs it.

Oh, Shop It: Mix-and-Match Leggings

Image from Oppos

Eleven-year-old Josie Ervin saw a girl wearing leggings with a different color on each leg, found out that it was a homemade gift from her grandmother and shared this knowledge with her grandfather Tom Ervin. That conversation sparked an idea that would bring Tom back into the business world. He recruited designer Shelly Chilton of Lake Orion and – voila! – OPPOS, short for opposites, was born.

The line of detachable leggings comes in a variety of colors and patters and has a zipper that allows girls to swap one leg for a different one. OPPOS is made in the USA and comes in sizes ranging from extra small to extra large for ages 4 to 16. Currently, the company is working on a Spirit Wear line for older girls to showcase school pride.

“I knew that [Josie] and many other kids were still mixing and matching their socks, and I just couldn’t let this idea go,” Tom Ervin explains. “I looked at Josie and I said, ‘We are going to start a company.’”

A whopping 54 legging combinations are possible, and the legs can be purchased individually. And don’t think about getting these anywhere else: OPPOS has obtained a U.S. Patent, which gives them the exclusive rights to offer detachable leggings.

OPPOS leggings, matching tops and reversible headbands can be purchased at a kiosk in Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi and at www.oppos.com.

Industry Spotlight: Fashion Blogger

Detroit-native and blogger Mia Ray has created a blog so successful, she makes a living off of it, and it has even inspired lifestyle products including hair extensions, bags and tees. With over 600,000 blog views, Confessions of a Glam-Aholic features trends, exclusives, tutorials and serves as a consumer’s roadmap to finding obscure pieces. DG3 had a chance to chat with Mia about her career as a fashion blogger.

Tell us a little about your blog and how you got your start. 

Confessions Of A Glam-Aholic is a down-to-earth fashion blog for the everyday girl. I cover everything fashion, hair and beauty; my blog is geared towards living a stylish lifestyle. I got my start in November 2009 after a great friend of mine suggested that I should share my great tips and advice with the world. I started the very next day and I haven't slowed down since. 

How long did it take for you to start making money from your blog and how did all of that happen and evolve over the years? 

Let's just say that it didn't happen overnight! Seriously, I made my first coin from blogging during my third year. The steady flow of income didn't come until just recently. I remained consistent over the few years that I've been blogging, slowly but surely building up my foundation and following. That's how the money gets made – you need a secure audience. 

How do you keep your blog relevant?

I'm really big on being organic and authentic. I believe that's what keeps me relevant. As long as I remain relatable and speak on topics of interest, I'll pretty much stay afloat.

If bloggers had to have rules, what would be the five most important rules you think a blogger should follow? 

1. Stay consistent.

2. Remain authentic.

3. Have patience.

4. Be professional.

5. Dream BIG. 

What was your first job, and if you had to create an outfit inspired by the job, what would it be? 

My first job was at the clothing store 5 7 9. My outfit inspiration would be a melting pot of everything that's currently trendy, colorful, young and hip.

If you had the chance to style ANYONE, who would it be and what would they wear? Scenario: They are going to be out on the town shopping and grabbing lunch. 

If I could style anyone it would be Solange Knowles. I would make her look super chic yet comfy. I would have her hair blown out, put her in a pair of tailored trousers, with a printed blouse from Zara, vintage-style oxfords and an oversized cocoon wool coat. 

If you could have any movie character's wardrobe, who would it be and why? 

I think it's a tie between Carrie Bradshaw's closet in Sex And The City, which is pretty much self-explanatory, and I can't deny my timeless love for Cher's wardrobe in Clueless. It was super ‘90s, which is one of my favorite eras, and of course a style overload. I would LIVE in her closet! 

Patricia Field or Emmanuelle Alt? 

Emmanuelle Alt.

The Man Repeller or Into The Gloss? 

Into The Gloss.

On The Town: Frida Grand Opening

We arrived fashionably late to the grand opening of Frida and it. Was. Packed. A Mariachi band played outside of the store while a group of curious and trés chic fashionistas filtered in and out of the store, some leaving with Frida’s signature unibrow drawn in on their foreheads. If there were enough room to sit and chat, it would have been an unbelievably grand party, but everyone dutifully came in, browsed the Frida-inspired wears and congratulated Rachel, owner of Frida (and The Peacock Room), while purchasing something new.

The décor of Frida was very minimalist and rustic and for good reason; it really lets the clothes speak for themselves. Vintage-looking garment racks that held colorful sweaters, bright shirts and cozy dresses lined the white walls that framed the space. Scattered throughout the store were old chests that displayed apparel and jewelry, a bright red rolling tray adorned with sugar skull change purses, cups and other items you didn’t think you needed until you saw them, and a chair that held colorful bags.

From unique earrings to casual sweater dresses, Frida has something for everyone. The aesthetic in the small boutique is an eclectic collection of modern, bohemian and world influences. It’s the perfect casualwear sister boutique to The Peacock Room, which we visited right after we left Frida, and that’s what’s so great about it. If you’re going shopping with girlfriends and you have completely different styles, The Peacock Room and Frida are the two stores to visit – something(s) are certain to be admired, tried on and happily purchased by all of you.

A fun fact: Frida Kahlo, whom the store is named after, lived in The Park Shelton with Diego Rivera while he created his artwork next door at the DIA. Frida is located in The Park Shelton at 15 E. Kirby St., in Detroit. 

Oh, Shop It: Seriously Fashionable Tech Accessories

 If you are a fashionista who enjoys accessorizing your smart phone, tablet and laptop, you’re in luck! Detroit’s own Anna Sui has created tech accessories exclusively sold at Best Buy in partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), which reflect the designer’s current collection.

“We continue to see the intersection of fashion and technology and have partnered with Best Buy to be at the forefront of this innovation,” said Steven Kolb, chief executive officer at the CFDA. “These partnerships have allowed our designers to enter the personal technology space and enabled them to launch their collections nationwide.”

Along with Anna Sui, Nanette Lepore and Isaac Mizrahi have created collections exclusively for Best Buy as well. Phone cases will be available for iPhone 5, 5s, 6 and 6plus, and Samsung Galaxy S5 and will run around $30. Tablet cases are available for the iPad Air and iPad Mini and will range from $35 to $40. Laptop cases are available for 13-inch devices for $40.

All cases are available now, so stop by your nearest Best Buy to style your tech accessories with flair.

Do It: This Weekend’s Fashion, Beauty and Style Events that Are Not To Be Missed

This weekend is chock-full of fun and fashionable things to do, so if you’re itching to hit the town, these events will keep you busy!

Frida’s Grand Opening | Thursday, October 23

Rachel Lutz, beloved owner of The Peacock Room, has opened another store, this one inspired by Frida Kahlo’s free spirit and eclectic style, and she wants to celebrate! From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., browse the fresh, casual and everyday apparel and accessories while moving your hips to a live Mariachi band. Giveaways and door prizes are available, and if you dress up as Frida Kahlo or Diego Rivera, you will receive 10% off your purchase and a grand prize will go to the best of each.

Frida is located in the Park Shelton at 15 E. Kirby St., in Detroit.

CRAINE&LOVE Trunk Show | Thursday, October 23

Local designer Carol Craine will be on site at Willys Detroit for the CRAINE&LOVE trunk show. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Carol will be available to chat, and she will also share the story of her collection. Fall-inspired drinks are provided by Bailout Productions.

Willys Detroit is located at 441 W Canfield St., in Detroit.

Gypsy Autumn Event | Thursday, October 23

Bohemian beauties, this Gypsy Autumn Event at Saffron is for you! Saffron is celebrating its 4-year anniversary from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., so come shop and congratulate them on a great four years in Royal Oak. Door prizes and Henna by Ava will be happening all evening.

Saffron is located at 308 W. Fourth St., in Royal Oak.

Live.Work.Detroit. | Friday, October 14

Live.Work.Detroit. is back and current college students and aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to attend from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Andrews Hall. Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and hosted by D:hive, Live.Work.Detroit. is an informative career event where participants are invited to hear about young Detroit professionals and an array of local employers. The event consists of networking opportunities, a keynote presentation by Eric Larson, CEO of Downtown Detroit Partnership, and an Insider Tour with the Detroit Experience Factory. Registration costs $15 and the fee covers dinner, a tour of the city and round trip bus transportation made available from University of Detroit Mercy, Michigan State University, University of Michigan and Wayne State University.

St. Andrews Hall is located at 431 E. Congress St., in Detroit. To register, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/liveworkdetroit-october-24th-2014-tickets-12692669115.

Smythe Show | Thursday, October 23 and Friday, October 24

Smythe is a line of flawlessly tailored jackets, blazers and coats in nostalgic colors, textures and prints and they are at SHE in Bloomfield Hills! If you’re into traditional menswear tailoring details or just in the market for a new blazer, stop by SHE in Bloomfield Hills and browse the collection.

SHE is located at 4076 W Maple Road, in Bloomfield Hills.

Lingerie Love Affair | Friday, October 24 and Saturday October 25

Find the hottest lingerie looks with the help of your own certified fit stylist at the Lingerie Love Affair event at Nordstrom at the Somerset Collection, Twelve Oaks and The Mall at Partridge Creek. When select bras are purchased during the event, $2 will go to the Young Survivors Coalition.

Fall Vintage Masquerade | Saturday, October 25

Celebrate the season at the Fall Vintage Masquerade with Norah’s Vintage Loft, Betty’s Girls Vintage & Vogue, Old Soul Thrift & Vintage, The Natural Market and other vintage collectors and vendors. Starting at noon at the Russell Industrial Center, shop until you drop and enjoy fall-inspired libations crafted by Drinks On Us. A fashion show hosted by Piper Carter will begin at 8 p.m., and immediately following is the masquerade party. Cover is $5 for the day and masks are encouraged.

The Russell Industrial Center is located at 1600 Clay St., Building 3, in Detroit. For more information, contact Norah’s Vintage Loft at 313.656.8774.

Beauty for Breast Cancer | Saturday, October 25

Trish McEvoy consultants will be at Talulah Belle from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. spilling makeup secrets and giving you the holiday-season glow you have been craving. Stroll, sip and shop the day away, with 10% of the proceeds going to The Pink Fund. Free beauty bonuses feature Butter London Nail Lacquer and Trish McEvoy lip color.

Reserve your spot for your own makeup consultation by calling 248.453.5054. Talulah Belle is located at 307 S. Main St., in Rochester.

All Things Detroit III | Sunday, October 26

Small business owners, artists, instructors and other creative artisans unite to network with consumers and to support the local business community. All Things Detroit III will showcase locally made products from more than 60 vendors and businesses. Attendees can browse Detroit-themed artwork, jam to local music and participate in interactive demonstrations. Raffles and giveaways will be happening from 3 p.m. on and admission is $5.

All Things Detroit is located at Eastern Market Corporation in shed three. Eastern Market is located at 2934 Russell St., in Detroit.

Wear It’s At: Gray Eminence

Dreary days, like today, should be fully embraced. Does it look stormy? Yes. Is it cold? Of course it is. But let’s use that for outfit inspiration and go gray! Smoky colored garb is great by itself, but it's even better when paired with other neutral items. The next time you’re getting dressed, pull out all the gray duds stuffed in your closet and put them together! Closet shopping can be the best shopping. But if you’re in the market for something new, check out our favorite grays here.

1. Cartonnier Neoprene Cocoon Coat, $178, Anthropologie, metro Detroit locations.

2. Toy Watch Textured Camouflage Watch, $228, Anthropologie, metro Detroit locations.

3. Vita Fede Mini Titan Bracelet, $225, Intermix, 248.643.1997.

4. Club Monaco Adele Cashmere Scarf, $130, Club Monaco, 248.649.2665.

5. Tory Burch Small Frame Flannel Satchel, $595, Tory Burch, 248.458.1307.

6. Club Monaco Alegra Leather Pant, $695, Club Monaco, 248.649.26665.

7. Fallon Rosewell Crystal Cluster V Necklace, $550, Intermix, 248.643.1997.

Local Designer Series: Lili Camaj of Little Miss Obsessive

Image Courtesy of Irene Mahmud

Lili Camaj of Little Miss Obsessive has grown her brand in a non-conventional way. Exclusively using social media, Lili has managed to bring her line of accessories out to the masses and bloggers. Celebs including Aubrey Anderson (Lily) from Modern Family and Jessica Szohr (Vanessa) from Gossip Girl have been captured sporting Little Miss Obsessive. We chatted with Lili to gain a little insight on how she did it and she let us in on her secret. #thankful

Tell us a little about yourself and how you started Little Miss Obsessive.

I always had a passion for the fashion and beauty industries since I was little. I was a licensed cosmetologist doing hair and makeup; I did a lot of personal shopping and fashion styling and also did a lot of creative directing on photo shoots. On the photo shoots, I would make accessories, and after a while, they really started getting noticed and requests for the accessories would come in. As I started making custom tutus and accessories, the demand for hair accessories grew so I decided to take it to the next level.

How do you reach your customers via social media outlets? What's the secret?! 

Social media is awesome, if you know how to use it the right way. No Facebook, just Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. For Instagram, hashtags are great, especially for people who are looking for a #headband for their #wedding or a birthday #gift. So, people will search, and your designs pop up in the results and essentially you're helping someone find exactly what they were looking for. Showcasing your product, as well as your personal style, will get people to see what your line is all about, and when people relate, they love that. They feel like they can connect with you instead of just being another "follower." Pinterest is great, too, because girls love pretty things and let's face it, you can never just be on Pinterest for 5 minutes – it always turns into an hour of pinning dream outfits and vacations. Networking is key, just like in any business, and word of mouth. Doing hair and makeup for photo shoots was amazing for networking and marketing and also taking part in fashion shows and charity events. Many of my customers will refer friends and tag them in my comments to show them a piece they might be interested in purchasing. 

What's the best and the most outrageous advice you have received?
The best advice is stay true to your style and it will reflect in every piece you design. The most outrageous was to use cheaper materials. For example, to skip the Swarovski and use cheaper stones, the sparkle just isn't the same and bling lovers know the shine when they see it. If I wouldn't buy or wear it, I wouldn't sell it to my customers. 

Do you have any fashion pet peeves?

Showing too much at once. You can be sexy and fashion forward without exposing it all. 

Right now—and no cheating—what are the contents of your purse? 

Today I rocked my crossbody bag, so not much room for the usual five pounds of things. Cell phone, debit card, license, business card, Heidi D lip gloss and two pieces of Take 5 gum.

If you could have a TV or movie characters wardrobe, whose would it be and why?

Andrea from the Devil Wears Prada, leather Chanel thigh high boots—need I say more?

The Fendi Baguette or Hermes Birkin?

Hands down, Birkin.

Jackie O or Marilyn?

Jackie all the way. 

Image Courtesy of Irene Mahmud